The United States Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia Dr. Amy Searight, who visited Sri Lanka between December 17th to 19th, examined the future role Sri Lankan security forces could play in humanitarian assistance, responding to natural disasters, and increasing participation in overseas peacekeeping operations.

A high profile US delegation, met with Defense Secretary Karunasena Hettiarachchi as well as Foreign Secretary Chitranganee Wagiswara to discuss the Sri Lankan government's efforts relating to security sector reform. Training and vetting personnel for United Nations peacekeeping operations was also a focus.

Amy Searight met with the Chief of Defense Staff, and the respective Tri-Service Commanders, to stress the need for land returns, reconciliation and a credible transitional justice mechanism, and to discuss future security requirements.

During the meeting with Commander of Army, Lieutenant General Crishanthe De Silva she exchanged views pertaining to, practical readiness for UN troop deployment, preparedness of Sri Lankan troops for future UN assignments, exchange of expertise in technical fields, present overseas deployments and training for UN assignments, progress of de-mining work and troop training at Kukuleganga Institute of Peace Support Operations Training Sri Lanka.